Abstract:

The present invention is a system, method that uses a cost-effective,
portable, combination unit that can function as an incubator, dehydrator,
and micro-propagation apparatus in the school classroom, at home, in an
industrial setting, in a homeland security setting, in a forensic
environment, and in the field for culturing, growing, blooming,
propagating, and micro-propagating of various plants. In addition, the
combination science unit can be use with bio-tissue.

Claims:

1. A combination science unit that is designed to be cost-effective,
modular, collapsible, and portable for use in conjunction with
educational curriculum as an aid to teach science and related math to
students.

2. A combination science unit that is designed to be cost-effective,
modular, collapsible, and portable for use in conjunction with homeland
security applications involving waterborne, airborne, and other
pathogens.

3. A combination science unit that is designed to be cost-effective,
modular, collapsible, and portable for use in conjunction with
microcredit and microfinance applications.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a conversion of and claims priority to prior
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/879,089 SYSTEM, METHOD,
AND APPARATUS FOR A PORTABLE, COMBINATION INCUBATOR, DEHYDRATER, AND
MICROPROPGATION SCIENCE UNIT filed on Jan. 8, 2007, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates generally to the study of various
branches of earth science, including, but not limited to, botany,
biology, and horticulture. The present invention, also known as a Tri
Science Hobby Appliance--which is based on the inventor's first
name--Trisha (TriSHA), is suitable for use by students, teachers,
scientists, homeland security agents, FBI, CIA, and police departments
for forensics, health departments and personnel, farmers, and home
hobbyists. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present
invention is a system and method that employs a cost-effective, portable,
combination unit that can function as an incubator, dehydrator, and
micro-propagation apparatus in the school classroom, at home, in an
industrial setting, in a homeland security setting, in a forensic
environment, and in the field for culturing, growing, blooming,
propagating, and micro-propagating of various plants. In addition, the
combination science unit can be use with bio-tissue.

[0004]2. Problems in the Art

[0005]There is an unfilled need for a system, method, and apparatus which
solves the problem of cost, portability, modularity, and other problems
associated with incubators, dehydrators, and micro-propagation units. The
present invention has as its primary objective fulfillment of these
needs.

FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

[0006]A general feature of the present invention is the provision of a
system, method, and apparatus for a cost-effective, portable, combination
unit for the study of various branches of science, including, but not
limited to, botany and biology, which overcomes the problems found in the
prior art.

[0007]A feature of the present invention is the provision of a combination
science unit that can function as an incubator, dehydrator, and
micro-propagation unit.

[0008]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is cost-effective.

[0009]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is of sufficient quality to be used by scientists as well as
students, and home hobbyists.

[0010]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is portable.

[0011]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is lightweight.

[0012]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is collapsible.

[0013]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is modular.

[0014]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that can be outfitted with optional features.

[0015]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that can be outfitted with optional features, such as a heat mat.

[0016]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that can be outfitted with optional features, such as a heat mat
that can be used with a temperature controller.

[0017]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that can be outfitted with optional features, such a second, raised,
removable floor when used in conjunction with a heat mat.

[0018]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is of a quality that it can be used by scientists in the
laboratory.

[0019]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is of a quality that it can be used by scientists in the field.

[0020]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is of a quality that it can be used by industrialists in a
commercial laboratory.

[0021]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is of a quality that it can be used by industrialists in a
commercial production setting.

[0022]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is of a quality and cost that it can be used by home hobbyists
at home.

[0023]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is of a quality that it can be used by teachers and students in
public, parochial, and home classroom settings.

[0024]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is designed to be used in conjunction with science curriculum
in elementary schools, middle school, high schools, home schools, trade
schools, two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and post-graduate schools
and colleges.

[0025]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is designed to be used in conjunction with science curriculum
that is printed in a supplementary pamphlet, leaflet, brochure, guide,
notes, or text book.

[0026]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that is designed to be used in conjunction with science curriculum
that is available on-line in a supplementary pamphlet, leaflet, brochure,
guide, notes, or text book.

[0027]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that can be outfitted with a fogger for humidification of the
chamber.

[0028]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that uses standard, off-the-shelf, replaceable air filters.

[0029]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that can be outfitted with an optional light fixture for use with a
grow light bulb, or ultraviolet light bulb.

[0030]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that uses low to medium-tech components to operate at high-tech
parameters.

[0031]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that provides a controlled environment, including temperature,
humidity, light, air pressure, and air purity.

[0032]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that generally is comprised of an air-flow chamber, and an
open-ended environmental chamber.

[0033]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that generally is comprised of an air-flow chamber, and an
open-ended environmental chamber that can be closed off on the open end,
and a drip shield with holes placed in the environmental chamber after
the laminar air flow chamber's outflow filter to create a humid
environment when used in conjunction with humidifying fogger.

[0034]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that uses clocks/timers on the laminar air flow chamber's fan and
blower motor 103 and an optional humidifying fogger and heat mat in the
environmental chamber to mimic the daily cycle of heat and moisture by
cycling the fan and blower motor 103, humidifying, fogger, and heat mat
as appropriate.

[0035]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes sensors for humidity, temperature, air
flow, and air quality.

[0036]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes a data port for upstream and downstream
hard-wired or wireless communications with a device, such as, but not
limited to, a laptop, PC, PDA, tablet, smart phone, etc.

[0037]A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a
method to reverse the flow of the fan and blower motor 103 in the laminar
flow hood.

[0038]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes a clock/timer for turning the fan and
blower motor 103 in the laminar flow hood off and on at pre-determined
times when the unit is unattended.

[0039]A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a
method to variably control the speed of the fan and blower motor 103 in
the laminar flow hood to speeds that produce an airflow that exceeds 100
cfm for sterile environments in the environmental chamber.

[0040]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes a clock/timer for turning the optional
heating mat in the environmental chamber off and on at pre-determined
times when the unit is unattended.

[0041]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes a clock/timer for turning the optional
humidifying fogger in the environmental chamber off and on at
pre-determined times when the unit is unattended.

[0042]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes the used of a desiccant when the unit is
being used a dehydrator.

[0043]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes an environmental chamber constructed out of
UV resistant material.

[0044]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes an environmental chamber covered with
removable UV resistant materials.

[0045]A further feature of the present invention is a combination science
unit that optionally includes an environmental chamber that includes
magnets on the front edges of the open end that can be used for attached
a front cover that also includes magnets.

[0046]One or more of these and/or other features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following specification
and claims.

[0048]The present invention relates generally to the study of various
branches of earth science, including, but not limited to, botany,
biology, and horticulture. The present invention is suitable for use by
students, teachers, scientists, homeland security agents and scientists,
FBI, CIA, and police department personnel and scientists, health
departments and personnel, and home hobbyists. More particularly, though
not exclusively, the present invention is a system and method that
employs a cost-effective, portable, combination unit that can function as
an incubator, dehydrator, and micro-propagation apparatus in the school
classroom, at home, in an industrial setting, and in the field for
culturing, growing, blooming, propagating, and micro-propagating of
various plants. In addition, the combination science unit can be used
with bio-tissue growth and experiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049]The present invention relates generally to the study of various
branches of earth science, including, but not limited to, botany,
biology, and horticulture. The present invention is suitable for use by
students, teachers, scientists, homeland security agents and scientists,
FBI, CIA, and police department personnel and scientists, health
departments and personnel, and home hobbyists. More particularly, though
not exclusively, the present invention is a system and method that
employs a cost-effective, portable, combination unit that can function as
an incubator, dehydrator, and micro-propagation apparatus in the school
classroom, at home, in an industrial setting, and in the field for
culturing, growing, blooming, propagating, and micro-propagating of
various plants. In addition, the combination science unit can be used
with bio-tissue growth and experiments.

[0050]FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention. According to one aspect of
the present invention 100 a flow hood, specifically a laminar flow hood,
is provided. A laminar flow hood, also known as a laminar flow cabinet or
laminar flow closet, is a carefully designed air flow chamber that is
designed to prevent contamination. The laminar flow hood is constructed
of side 110, connected to side 111, connected to side 112 connected to
side 111 (not shown) on the opposite of side 111 which is shown,
connected to side 110. Laminar flow, sometimes known as streamline flow,
occurs when a fluid flows in parallel layers, with little or no
disruption between the layers. In fluid dynamics, laminar flow is a
characterized by high momentum diffusion, low momentum convection, and
pressure and velocity independence from time. It is the opposite of
turbulent flow. In nonscientific terms laminar flow is "smooth," while
turbulent flow is "rough." Laminar flow is important in the present
invention for maintaining a sterile work setting in the environmental
chamber.

[0051]Intake air is drawn through a first intake filter 101 and blown in a
very smooth, or what is known as a laminar flow, toward a second filter,
or the outflow air filter 102, into the environmental chamber of the
combination science unit. The direction of the air flow through the
present invention 100 is shown by the two arrows labeled "air flow". The
sides 110, 111 (shown), 112, 111 (not shown) of the laminar air flow
chamber are usually made of a material that is not prone to the
collection and growth of molds or other contaminants, and is also
constructed with little or no gaps or joints where mold spores or other
contaminants might grow and collect. The laminar flow hood can be
implemented in either a horizontal or vertical configuration. Optionally,
a laminar flow hood may include one or more UV-C germicidal lamps (not
shown) to sterilize the laminar air flow when not in use, and also to
purify the outflow air into the environmental chamber when in use.

[0052]The laminar flow hood used in the present invention is a vertical
hood, which intakes un-filtered/un-purified air vertically and discharges
filtered air horizontally. The laminar flow hood is generally square in
cross-section and rectangular in height and width, and includes an air
intake filter at the top of the laminar flow hood. In addition, a fan and
blower motor combination 103 is mounted inside the laminar flow hood
attached to one of the sides 110, 111 (shown), 112, 111 (not shown),
which is connected to an electrical power source through power cord 106
and switch 104.

[0053]In a unique aspect of the present invention, the air intake filter
101 and air outflow filter 102 are commercially available home furnace
filters. The air intake filter 101 can be a standard furnace filter, or a
HEPA Filter. The air outflow filter 102 is a HEPA (High Energy
Particulate Air [filters]). These types of filters as defined by the
United states Department of Energy This type of air filter can
theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and
any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 micrometers (μm) at 85
liters per minute (L/min). The diameter specification of 0.3 μm
responds to the worst case; the most penetrating particle size (MPPS).
Particles that are larger or smaller are trapped with even higher
efficiency. Using the worst case particle size results in the worst case
efficiency rating (i.e. 99.97% or better for all particle sizes).

[0054]HEPA filters are composed of a mat of randomly arranged fibers. The
key metrics affecting the function of the HEPA filter are fiber density
and diameter, and filter thickness. The air space between HEPA filter
fibers is much greater than 0.3 μm. HEPA filters are designed to
target smaller pollutants and particles, and are mainly trapped by
sticking to the filter fiber by one of the following three mechanisms: 1)
interception, where particles following a line of flow in the air stream
come within one radius of a fiber and adhere to it, 2) Impaction, where
larger particles are unable to avoid fibers by following the curving
contours of the air stream and are forced to embed in one of them
directly; this increases with diminishing fiber separation and higher air
flow velocity, and 3) .Diffusion, an enhancing mechanism which is a
result of the collision with gas molecules by the smallest particles,
especially those below 0.1 μm in diameter, which are thereby impeded
and delayed in their path through the filter; this behavior is similar to
Brownian motion and raises the probability that a particle will be
stopped by either of the two mechanisms above; it becomes dominant at
lower air flow velocities.

[0055]Diffusion is the predominant method for trapping particles below the
0.1 μm diameter. Impaction and interception are predominant method for
trapping particles above 0.4 μm in diameter. In between, near the 0.3
μm MPPS, diffusion and interception are the predominant method for
trapping particles.

[0056]Optionally, ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filters can be used
with the present invention. An ULPA filter is designed to theoretically
remove from the air at least 99.999% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and
any airborne particles with a size of 0.12 micrometers or larger.

[0057]In addition, a SULPA (Super ULPA) filters can be used with the
present invention. A SULPA filter is designed to theoretically remove up
to 99.9999% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles
with a size of 0.12 micrometers or larger.

[0058]In another unique aspect of the present invention, the fan and
blower motor 103 in the laminar air flow chamber is specified to move a
minimum of 100 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of air through the outflow air
filter and into the environmental chamber. The airflow volume has been
chosen to maintain a high number of air changes per minute in the
environmental chamber, which helps maintain a very sterile environment in
the environmental chamber. As an example, the Center for Disease Control
(CDC) recommends a minimum of 12 air changes per hour for air that is
recirculated in a hospital room or building in order to ensure a minimum
standard of air quality. Assuming a 10 cubic foot environmental chamber
is being used in the present invention, a 100 cfm blower would provide 10
air changes per minute, which exceeds the CDC requirements for
recirculated air in a hospital environment by a factor of 50. The high
air flow reduces the total time that any airborne contaminants are in
contact with any substance in the present invention's environmental
chamber. In addition, the blower provides a slightly positive air
pressure (positive meaning an air pressure reading slightly above the
ambient atmosphere's barometric reading) in the environmental chamber,
which means outside air that has not been filtered by the two HEPA
filters in the laminar air flow chamber cannot infiltrate the
environmental chamber.

[0059]In another unique aspect of the present invention, the laminar air
flow chamber is designed to be modular, in other words the laminar air
flow chamber is not a monolithic unit that includes the environmental
chamber. The modular laminar air flow chamber is collapsible, which gives
it unprecedented portability into the field, or for storage in a small
area when not in use. The collapsible feature for the laminar air flow
hood can be provided by a number of methods. As an example, one method
for providing collapsibility is through the use of extruded or molded
edges to join the vertical edges of the laminar air flow chamber together
for use. These extruded or molded edges can be made of a variety of
materials, such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, etc. As a another
example of a method for collapsibility is through the use of hinges to
join the four vertical edges of the laminar air flow together like an
accordion, in conjunction with the use of hinges on the vertical
centerline of two opposite sides, which would allow the laminar air flow
chamber to collapse upon itself when a modular approach is used for
attaching the fan and blower motor 103 to one of the sides using a quick
release apparatus. As a third example of a method for collapsibility is
through the use of hinges to join the four vertical sides 110, 111
(shown), 112, 111 (not shown) of the laminar air flow together like an
accordion, in conjunction with the use of hinges on the vertical
centerline of two opposite sides, which would allow the laminar air flow
chamber to collapse upon itself when the fan and blower motor 103 is
positioned such that when the laminar air flow chamber is collapsed it
protrudes through the outflow air filter opening in the opposite side on
which the fan and blower motor 103 is mounted. In this example, the fan
and blower motor 103 can still be attached in a modular way to one of the
sides 110, 111 (shown), 112, 111 (not shown) of the laminar air flow
chamber, but doesn't have to be removed for transport or storage.

[0060]In another unique aspect of the present invention, the laminar air
flow chamber is designed to accept standard, off-the-shelf HEPA intake
and outflow filters 101, 102 designed for use with home or commercial
buildings HVAC systems. This approach keeps the initial cost of the
present invention to a minimum, as well as keeping the on-going
operational costs of the present invention to a minimum. In addition,
this approach would allow the present invention to be transported for use
in the field without having to transport the necessary HEPA filters, as
they could be purchased at a wide variety of stores, such as a hardware
store, or major lumberyard like Home Depot, etc., which are local to the
place that the present invention is going to be assembled and used.
Alternatively, a method for providing collapsibility through disassembly
of the sides of the laminar air flow chamber is through the use of hinges
that are joined using removable pins, such as, but not limited to, a
cotter pin, a detent pin, a hitch pin, a klik pin, etc. In this example
as previously described, the blower could be mounted in a modular method
for easy removal for disassembly. The fan and blower motor 103 could be
mounted opposite the side with the outflow air filter opening such that
it would protrude through the opening when the laminar air flow chamber
is collapsed.

[0061]In all of the aforementioned methods employing hinges for
collapsibility, the hinges can be mounted on inside or outside corners,
or combinations of inside and outside corners.

[0062]Another method for providing collapsibility through disassembly is
by the provision of quick assembly-disassembly joint that are molded,
extruded, or machine that allow the joining of the vertical edges of the
laminar air flow chamber by sliding them into slots in the quick
assembly-disassembly joints. These joints can be made out of any
material, preferably plastic or metal.

[0063]The sides 110, 111 (shown), 112, 111 (not shown) of the laminar air
flow chamber can be made from a wide variety of materials including
steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other metal, plastic, vinyl,
Plexiglas, marine grade plywood, etc. In addition, the sides of the
open-ended environmental chamber can be made of laminated materials. As
an example, the sides may be wood, structural honeycomb, etc, that are
faced on one or both sides with sheet metal, fiberglass reinforced panel
(FRP), high pressure laminate (HPL), melamine, polystyrene, Formica, etc.
When steel is used it can be natural finish, or painted. Paint may be an
epoxy, urethane, or polyester, or hybrid paint. Conductive metals may be
powder coated, which is an electrostatic application process which is
completed with a baking operation. Or, the paint may be electostatically
applied to a conductive metal without the baking operation.

[0064]The 100 cfm minimum air flow requirement can be provided by a single
100 cfm or greater fan and blower motor, or multiple fan and blower
motors of smaller air flow capacity. As an example, two 50 cfm motors can
be used in parallel to provide a total of 100 cfm air flow through the
laminar air flow chamber into the environmental chamber of the present
invention. The fan and blower 103 can be mounted in a modular fashion
through a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, 1) using
removable locking pins through the mounting holes in a typical blower to
attach the unit to holes that match the pattern of the blower, which are
located in one of the sides 110, 111 (shown), 112, 111 (not shown) of the
laminar air flow chamber, 2) attaching the blower to a shoe that can be
slid in and out of troughs that are mounted to the sides 110, 111
(shown), 112, 111 (not shown) of the laminar air flow chamber, and 3) by
using nuts, bolts and washers to attach the blower unit by the mounting
holes to holes in one of the sides 110, 111 (shown), 112, 111 (not shown)
of the laminar flow hood that match the hole pattern of the blower. The
power for the fan and blower motor 103 is provided through a plug 106
connected to an electrical outlet and controlled by switch 104. The power
source can be standard house or commercial building wiring, via a
portable generator if the present invention is used in the field, or via
a vehicle that has a power inverter if the present invention is used in
the field, etc.

[0065]The HEPA filters are designed to fit snuggly into place into
ductwork sleeve (not shown) that creates an interface for the filter to
one of the vertical sides 110, 111 (shown), 112, 111 (not shown) of the
laminar air flow chamber, or the open top of the laminar air flow
chamber. The sleeve may be designed to accommodate shims to force the
filter to fit the ductwork sleeve tightly to largely prevent the flow of
unfiltered air around the HEPA filter and into the environmental chamber.
In addition, the sleeve may include a soft-seal that is designed to
conform to the HEPA filter's irregularities and thereby largely prevent
the flow of unfiltered air around the HEPA filter and into the
environmental chamber.

[0066]Optionally, the air intake filter 101 and air outflow filter 102 can
be used in conjunction with additional pre- and post-filters to provide
additional air filtration.

[0067]The second major component of the present invention is the
open-ended environmental chamber. The environmental chamber is
constructed of sides 109 (shown) connected to side 107 (shown) connected
to side 109 (not Shown) connected to side 107 (not shown). This component
is generally square in cross-section and rectangular in length and width,
and is connected to the laminar air flow chamber at the air outflow HEPA
filter.

[0068]In another unique aspect of the present invention, the open-ended
environmental chamber is designed to be modular, in other words the
open-ended environmental chamber is not a monolithic unit that includes
the environmental chamber. The modular open-ended environmental chamber
is collapsible, which gives it unprecedented portability into the field,
or for storage in a small area when not in use. The collapsible feature
for the open-ended environmental hood can be provided by a number of
methods. As an example, one method for providing collapsibility is
through the use of extruded or molded edges to join the horizontal edges
of the open-ended environmental chamber together for use. These extruded
or molded edges can be made of a variety of materials, such as, but not
limited to, metal, plastic, etc. As a another example of a method for
collapsibility is through the use of hinges to join the four horizontal
edges of the open-ended environmental together like an accordion, in
conjunction with the use of hinges on the horizontal centerline of two
opposite sides, which would allow the open-ended environmental chamber to
collapse upon itself when a modular approach is used for attaching the
fan and blower motor 103 to one of the sides using a quick release
apparatus. As a third example of a method for collapsibility is through
the use of hinges to join the four horizontal edges of the open-ended
environmental chamber together like an accordion, in conjunction with the
use of hinges on the horizontal centerline of two opposite sides, which
would allow the open-ended environmental chamber to collapse upon itself
when the fan and blower motor 103 is positioned such that when the
open-ended environmental chamber is collapsed it protrudes through the
outflow air filter opening in the opposite side on which the fan and
blower motor 103 is mounted. In this example, the fan and blower motor
103 can still be attached in a modular way to one of the sides of the
laminar flow chamber, but doesn't have to be removed for transport or
storage.

[0069]In all of the aforementioned methods employing hinges for
collapsibility, the hinges can be mounted on inside or outside corners,
or combinations of inside and outside corners.

[0070]Another method for providing collapsibility through disassembly is
by the provision of quick assembly-disassembly joint that are molded,
extruded, or machine that allow the joining of the horizontal edges of
the open-ended environmental chamber by sliding them into slots in the
quick assembly-disassembly joints. These joints can be made out of any
material, preferably plastic or metal.

[0071]The sides 107 (shown and not shown), 109 (shown and not shown) of
the open-ended environmental chamber can be made from a wide variety of
materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other metal,
plastic, vinyl, Plexiglas, marine grade plywood, etc. In addition, the
sides 107 (shown and not shown), 109 (shown and not shown) of the
open-ended environmental chamber can be made of laminated materials. As
an example, the sides 107 (shown and not shown), 109 (shown and not
shown) may be wood, structural honeycomb, etc, that are faced on one or
both sides with sheet metal, fiberglass reinforced panel (FRP), high
pressure laminate (HPL), melamine, polystyrene, Formica, etc. When steel
is used it can be natural finish, or painted. Paint may be an epoxy,
urethane, or polyester, or hybrid paint. Conductive metals may be powder
coated, which is an electrostatic application process which is completed
with a baking operation. Or, the paint may be electostatically applied to
a conductive metal without the baking operation.

[0072]Some of the optional features that can be included in the open-ended
environmental chamber are 1) a fogger (not shown) to create a humid
environment (this fogger can include a humidity sensor to modulate its
operation), 2) a heat mat (not shown) for reducing the humidity in the
environmental chamber and to create a higher temperature in the
open-ended environmental chamber than might be available in the ambient
air temperature surrounding the present invention, 3) a UV light (not
shown), 4) a grow light (not shown), 5) environmental sensors (not
shown), 6) a hard-wired or wireless data link (not shown), and 7)
horizontal supports for slide-out shelving and the associated slide-out
shelving in the environmental chamber (not shown).

[0073]The modular laminar air flow chamber and open-ended environmental
chamber rest closely together when placed on a bottom tray 108, which is
the third major modular component of the present invention.

[0074]The bottom tray 108 can be made from a wide variety of materials
including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other metal, plastic,
vinyl, Plexiglas, marine grade plywood, etc. In addition, the sides of
the open-ended environmental chamber can be made of laminated materials.
As an example, the sides may be wood, structural honeycomb, etc, that are
faced on one or both sides with sheet metal, fiberglass reinforced panel
(FRP), high pressure laminate (HPL), melamine, polystyrene, Formica, etc.
When steel is used it can be natural finish, or painted. Paint may be an
epoxy, urethane, or polyester, or hybrid paint. Conductive metals may be
powder coated, which is an electrostatic application process which is
completed with a baking operation. Or, the paint may be electostatically
applied to a conductive metal without the baking operation.

[0075]In addition, the entire combination science unit may include a fuse
box (not shown), an integrated power strip (not shown) for plugging in
the fan and blower motor 103, optional lights (not shown), and a heat mat
(not shown),

[0076]Although the present invention is designed to provide and maintain a
sterile environmental chamber using cleaning procedures involving
Quatricide, or a similar disinfectant, the present invention can be used
in conjunction with a contamination control procedures in accordance with
MIL-STD-1246. Detailed requirements conform to the requirements of
FED-STD-209 for monitoring air cleanliness. The following documents, of
the latest issue in effect, except as otherwise indicated, form a part of
this specification to the extent specified. In the event of conflict
between documents referenced herein and the contents of this
specification, the contents of this specification shall take precedence,
including FED-STD-209E, entitled Airborne Particulate Cleanliness Classes
in Cleanrooms and Clean Zones, and MIL-STD-1246C, entitled Product
Cleanliness Levels and Contamination Control. Additional quality control
procedures may be employed to establish and maintain contamination
control as needed.

[0077]In addition to being completely modular and collapsible, the
environmental chamber can be non-collapsible, and include a handle on one
of the sides for ease in picking the unit up and transporting it. In this
scenario, the environmental chamber can be collapsed and stored in the
laminar air flow chamber, and the bottom try 108 that is integral with
the laminar air flow chamber can be hinged at the edge where the
environmental chamber meets the laminar air flow chamber, so that the
bottom try 108 can fold up and be locked against the laminar air flow
chamber for storage and transportation. In addition, in this scenario,
the laminar air flow chamber can be used to store supplies that are used
with the present invention, such as, but not limited to Petri dishes,
test tubes, flasks, instructions, etc.

[0078]In all embodiments of the present invention, a manufacturers tag
(not shown) is affixed to the unit that displays items such as, but not
limited to, a serial number, a model number, a UL or CE mark, warnings,
etc. This tag may include information encoded in a bar code or RFID tag.

[0079]In addition to the cost-effectiveness, modularity, collapsibility,
and portability of the present invention, the most unique aspect is the
use of the present invention in conjunction with public, private,
parochial, or home-based education scenarios. These education scenarios
can be elementary schools, middle school, high schools, home schools,
trade schools, two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and post-graduate
schools and colleges. The present invention is designed to be used in
conjunction with a wide variety of printed educational materials,
including, but not limited to a supplementary pamphlet, leaflet,
brochure, guide, notes, or incorporated within a text book. Furthermore,
the curriculum can be on-line material that is available for download, or
as a database that is used to draw together students participating in the
same or similar experiments across a wide geographic area. The website
that contains the on-line education material and curriculum can include
all the usual features, including, but not limited to, an on-line store,
live question and answer sessions, chat sessions, distance learning and
teaching, class notes, teaching notes, how-to videos and pictures, etc.

[0080]The ultimate goal for the present invention is to have its teaching
and learning opportunities integrated into a recognized curriculum
publisher to increase student achievement in the previously mentioned
earth sciences, including, but not limited to, botany, horticulture, and
biology. The curriculum for the present invention will contain
instructional activities for the combination science unit which will
allow teachers and instructors to dramatically enhance the teaching of
science concepts. The printed and/or on-line integrated curriculum would
contain complete teaching notes, including objectives, classroom
management notes and answers support the activities. Textbooks would
include a CD-ROM that contained electronic data sheets for the exercises
in the integrated curriculum, and also would contain electronic flash
study cards to help students review each chapter in conjunction with the
experiments they ran. The present invention will also integrate the
widely used Texas Instruments TI-83/84 scientific calculators, which are
already used in conjunction with integrated educational curriculum. Using
this method, students will not only be learning science, but the related
and equally important math skills that are necessary for performing data
analysis, statistics, etc. Using such an integrated teaching system that
uses exercises and experiments will provide teachers and instructors
immediate feedback on their student's progress during the course of a
lesson. The teachers and instructors can use this instantaneous feedback
to adjust their instruction and ensure that all students make daily
progress. The present invention will help make science and related
mathematic education a much more rewarding and dynamic experience for the
youth of today's world that grew up on instant feedback and
gratification, and largely live life in an on-line environment.

USES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0081]One use for the combination science unit is for micropropagation.
Micropropagation is the practice of rapidly multiplying stock plant
material to produce a large number of progeny plants. Micropropagation is
used to multiply novel plants, such as those that have been genetically
modified or bred through conventional plant breeding methods. It is also
used to provide a sufficient number of plantlets for planting from a
stock plant which does not produce seeds, or does not respond well to
vegetative propagation.

[0082]Micropropagation begins with the collection of a sterile explant(s).
This small portion of plant tissue, which may be as small as a cell, is
placed on a growth medium, typically a medium containing sucrose as an
energy source and one or more plant growth regulators (plant hormones).
Usually the medium is thickened with Agar to create a gel which supports
the explant during growth. The plant tissue should now begin to grow and
differentiate into new tissues. For example, media containing cytokinin
are used to create branched shoots from plant buds.

[0083]Following the successful growth of plant tissue, the establishment
stage may be repeated, by taking tissue samples from the plantlets
produced in the first stage. Through repeated cycles of this process, a
single cell sample may be magnified to hundreds or thousands of plants.

[0084]Next is the pretransplant stage, which involves treating the
plantlets/shoots produced to encourage root growth and "hardening". It is
performed in vitro, or in a sterile "test tube" environment.

[0085]Root growth does not always occur in the earlier stages in plant
cell culture, and is of course a requirement for successful plant growth
after the micropropagation procedure. It is performed in vitro by
transferring the plantlets to a growth medium containing auxin(s).

[0086]"Hardening" refers to the preparation of the plants for a natural
growth environment. Until this stage, the plantlets have been grown in
"ideal" conditions, designed to encourage rapid growth. Due to lack of
necessity, the plants are likely to be highly susceptible to disease and
will be inefficient in their use of water and energy.

[0087]Hardening typically involves slowly weaning the plantlets from a
high-humidity, low light, warm environment to what would be considered a
normal growth environment for the species in question.

[0088]This stage (pretransplant) is not always performed, instead being
incorporated into the last stage by encouraging root growth and hardening
ex vitro, or in non-sterile plant media.

[0089]In the final stage of plant micropropagation, the plantlets are
removed from the plant media and transferred to soil or (more commonly)
potting compost for continued growth by conventional methods. This stage
is often combined with the "Pretransplant" stage.

[0090]Micropropagation has a number of advantages over traditional plant
propagation techniques: 1) micropropagation produces disease-free plants,
2) micropropagation produces rooted plantlets ready for growth, rather
than seeds or cuttings, 3) it has an extraordinarily high fecundity,
producing thousands of propagules in the same time it would take a
conventional technique to produce tens or hundreds, 4) it is the only
viable method of regenerating genetically modified cells or cells after
protoplast fusion, 5) it is a good way of multiplying plants which
produce seeds in uneconomical amounts (if at all), and 6)
micropropagation often produces more robust plants, leading to
accelerated growth compared to similar plants produced by conventional
methods.

[0091]The present invention can also be used a dehydrator. Dehydration is
the process of removing moisture from an object.

[0092]In addition, the present invention can also be used as an incubator.
Incubation in biology is the controlling of temperature, humidity, and
other conditions in which a microbiological culture is being grown.

[0093]The present invention can be used to grow mushrooms in a sterile
environment without the used of chemicals to ensure easy organic
certification.

[0094]The present invention can be used for homeland security applications
when an expensive, portable unit that can be used in the field to test
for widespread terrorist attacks involving anthrax, waterborne pathogens,
etc.

[0095]The present invention can be used by the FBI, CIA, and police
departments for forensic uses.

[0096]The present invention can be used by health organizations in the
field in the case of a widespread flu pandemic for growing cultures, and
for mixing IV medicines in a sterile environment, etc.

[0097]The present invention can be used to study medicinal plants in the
field.

[0098]The present invention can be used by farmers to grow alternative
crops, and do value added farming activities, and to harden and
strengthen plants at the base by growing them initially in the
environmental chamber using the laminar air flow chamber's motor to sway
the plants and thus strengthen the tissue at the base of the plant and
give them better stand-ability.

[0099]The present invention can be used with the airflow in reverse as a
dustless paint chamber for hobbyists.

[0100]The present invention and doctors as a sterile environment to keep
their sterile tools and instruments ready for a procedure or operation.

[0101]The present invention can be used with the airflow in reverse as a
dustless chamber for dentists working on casts, molds, temporaries, etc.

[0102]The present invention can be used for drying and preserving plants.

[0103]The present invention can be used as a butterfly hatchery.

[0104]The present invention can be used to do hydroponics in a sterile
environment.

[0105]The present invention can be used to study plant genetics.

[0106]The present invention can be used to germinate seeds.

[0107]The present invention can be used for hybridization.

[0108]The present invention can be used for flasking orchids.

[0109]The present invention can be used for the mycological studies.

[0110]The present invention can be used as a tool in micro-credit and
micro-finance to create socio-economic changes. Microcredit is the
extension of very small loans (microloans) to the unemployed, to poor
entrepreneurs and to others living in poverty who are not considered
bankable. These individuals lack collateral, steady employment and a
verifiable credit history and therefore cannot meet even the most minimal
qualifications to gain access to traditional credit. Microcredit is a
part of microfinance, which is the provision of a wider range of
financial services to the very poor.

[0111]Microcredit is a financial innovation which originated in developing
countries where it has successfully enabled extremely impoverished people
to engage in self-employment projects that allow them to generate an
income and, in many cases, begin to build wealth and exit poverty. Due to
the success of microcredit, many in the traditional banking industry have
begun to realize that these microcredit borrowers should more correctly
be categorized as pre-bankable; thus, microcredit is increasingly gaining
credibility in the mainstream finance industry and many traditional large
finance organizations are contemplating microcredit projects as a source
of future growth. Although almost everyone in larger development
organizations discounted the likelihood of success of microcredit when it
was begun in its modern incarnation as pilot projects with ACCION and
Muhammad Yunus in the mid-1970s, the United Nations declared 2005 the
International Year of Microcredit.

[0112]It should be understood that the various aspects of the present
invention described herein can be combined in various ways, as would be
apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations,
and alternatives may be made. It is of course not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components for purposes of describing
the present invention. All such possible modifications are to be included
within the spirit and scope of the present invention which is to be
limited only by the following claims.